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Heart test a chance for Reds to rally

Adelaide United FC can go a way to justifying its position in the top four by putting an end to Melbourne Heart’s impressive winning streak at AAMI Park tomorrow night.

Adelaide United FC can go a way to justifying its position in the top four and reinstating itself as a team that can match it with the Hyundai A-League-s pacesetters by putting an end to Melbourne Heart-s impressive winning streak at AAMI Park tomorrow night.

Melbourne Heart has won its past five games at AAMI Park and will be banking on getting another three points at home in order to put itself well into finals calculations. This season has largely been a case of ‘home is where the Heart is- for the John Aloisi-s team, who enjoy a formidable record at AAMI Park but a less than desirable run of results on their travels.

The Reds- reputation as a genuine championship contender took a hit in their home loss to Brisbane Roar last Saturday, but having had over a week to prepare for Monday night-s game, they have the opportunity to gatecrash the Heart-s fortress and right the wrongs of last week.

The Reds will also be out to break through for a first away win in eight games and if Coach Michael Valkanis- take on training this week is anything to go by, the players are giving themselves every hance to achieve it.

“Looking at the way the week went and the way the boys trained, it was very good,” Valkanis said.

“They worked very hard, worked on what needed to get done, had a really good attitude and we-re looking forward to the game.”

“All week the attitude by everyone has been tremendous, everyone is pushing each other, helping each other, and they all realise they-re one team moving forward.”

If the Reds are to bounce back on Monday night, they will not only have to halt a formidable Heart home record but also overcome the added emotion the home side will carry for midfielder Matt Thompson-s 200th Hyundai A-League game.

But where there is a will there is a way, and Valkanis believes the Reds have put last week behind them and are mentally ready to show what they are capable of.

In regards to playing personnel, defender Jon McKain is back from suspension, while Iain Fyfe, Fabian Barbiero, Jake Barker-Daish and winger Fabio Ferreira have also been included in an extended squad.

Ferreira has been training with the main group for the past two weeks and is likely to take up a place on the bench, which could see him have his first game time since New Years Eve.

“He (Ferreira) has been out for a long time and he-s looking forward to coming on off the bench and we-re looking forward to having him,” Valkanis said.

The Reds will be doing their utmost to find the back of the net early and have reason to fancy their chances if they can open the scoring. Of the 13 games Adelaide United has scored first this season it has gone on to win ten of them, while Melbourne Heart are yet to pick up a point this season in the ten times they have conceded first.